This design trend could devalue your home and put off buyers say experts – but we love it
Bold hues and abstract patterns know how to make a statement – but this colorful movement comes with a warning


It's easy to see the appeal behind the patterned tile trend. From ornate azulejos to rustic zelliges, there is an apt tile for every space of the home. However, if you're flirting with the idea of a tiled kitchen backsplash – or you're thinking about taking your entryway floor to the next level – then you may need to tread with caution.
This tile trend may be making a first impression for all the wrong reasons, property experts have revealed.
Do patterned tiles devalue your house?
While we're not suggesting that you re-evaluate your kitchen tile ideas for good, it's worth noting the effect that patterned tiles may have when moving your house from the market. Here's what you need to know.
1. Patterned tiles are expensive to maintain
'One of the major trends in the last few years is the utilization of patterned tiles. Brightly colored and good designed patterns bring an aesthetic lookout to the interior. But the problem is it's too costly to replace,' explains Ben Fisher, a Luxury Real Estate Specialist, The Fisher Group.
According to Ben, the high cost of tiles deters buyers from buying a property, as many investors are not interested in their design. 'This cost of replacement issue devalues the home ultimately,' he says.
2. Bold patterns are not for everybody
Liz Hogan, the VP of Luxury Sales at Compass, similarly urges homeowners to avoid experimenting with styles that are 'too trendy, over the top or personalized,' as they can limit' buyers who don't share the same sense of style.'
Ben suggests that this may be the case with pattened tiles. 'Except for the millennials of the current generation, no buyers are really interested in this trendy, stylish design,' he says.
3. Some patterns may look dated
Alongside their dividing aesthetic and high maintenance costs, designer Liz Walton adds that patterned bathroom tiles may 'instantly date a home', and their bold colors may not stand the test of time. 'The same goes for inset tiles on floors,' Liz adds.
Should you still play with pattern?
Despite its cons in the real estate industry, we confess that the patterned tile trend is hard to ignore in the design world. If you still (understandably) want to enjoy their aesthetic but might consider moving home in the next few years, then we suggest choosing subtler patterns or neutral hues that are likely to remain in style for longer.
Many kitchen, entryway, and bathroom tile ideas will allow you to experiment with this escapist feature without harming your property's chances on the market. Because sometimes, the most beautiful design features are the most talked about.
Megan is a News Writer across Future Plc’s homes titles, including Homes & Gardens and Livingetc. As a News Writer, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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